６．Social Determinants of Adolescent Mental Health: Findings from Tokyo Teen Cohort

【Presenter】

Atsushi Nishida
Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, JAPAN

Atsushi Nishida, PhD is a chair of the Research Center for Social Science and Medicine at the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science (TMiMS).

He has expertise in psychiatric epidemiology and mental health policy, and he has also been a co-lead of the Tokyo Teen Cohort (TTC) which is following up with approximately 3,000 adolescents.

He also leads the Unit for Mental Health Promotion in TMiMS, working across sectors, locally and nationally to deliver evidencedbased mental health services in the community.

He has been committed to policy making as a member of various expert panels for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Japanese National Government.

In recognition of his contributions to social policy, he received the 2012 Symbol of Tomorrow Award, which honours young professionals in the medical and health fields in Japan.

【Chair】

Kanna Sugiura
Mental Health and Welfare Center, City of Yokohama

【Abstract】

Adolescence is a pivotal phase for the cultivation of social and emotional well-being, integral to mental health.

Recent years have witnessed a notable increase in depression, psychological distress, anxiety, and suicidal behaviors among adolescents.

Addressing this concern necessitates an exploration of causative factors and an understanding of social determinants influencing adolescent mental health to formulate effective preventive measures.

Our ongoing Tokyo-based birth cohort study, tracking approximately 3,000 adolescents now aged 20, has yielded valuable insights.

Notably, the study has unveiled environmental factors crucial to fostering adolescent mental health.

Significantly, our findings emphasize the pivotal role of the school environment in alleviating stress and mitigating the impact of adverse childhood experiences on both physical and mental health during adolescence.

This presentation aims to share the results from the Tokyo Teen Cohort (TTC) study, highlighting the affirmative influence of school climate on the health and developmental trajectory of adolescents.

Our research underscores the importance of schools as a proactive and protective force in shaping the well-being of the younger generation.